Page 88 of Princess of Hawthorne Prep

It’s my fault.

At least, partially.

Even though I should confess and tell her who’s responsible, I can’t bring myself to say his name. At the end of the day, it won’t change the situation.

Her affair with Pembroke has been thrust into the spotlight, and there’s no way to drag it back into the darkness where it belongs.

DELILAH

Ikeep my head angled down and my shoulders hunched as I make my way through the crowded parking lot to the front entrance of the school. The past couple of days have been a veritable nightmare.

It didn’t take long for everyone to figure out who Pembroke was screwing. As soon as the board caught wind of the incident, our headmaster was swiftly terminated. Within thirty minutes, he was escorted off the premises with a small cardboard box overflowing with his belongings. Mom was allowed to keep her job since she was a subordinate but is currently searching for a new one. The humiliation of having their affair publicly outed and gossiped about has been too much for her to endure.

Pembroke broke off their relationship through text and refuses to return any of Mom’s calls. The man is a coward unworthy of her attention. It’s so tempting to tell herI told you so, but how can I do that?

My heart breaks for her. This is the first man she’s gotten involved with since Dad died, and it ended disastrously.

Even though Hawthorne Prep is the last place I want to show my face, there isn’t much choice in the matter. I can’t afford to miss my classes. Plus, what’s the point in putting off the inevitable?

Unlike the other scandals, this one isn’t going to blow over anytime soon. The aftermath will linger like a foul stench in the air for months to come.

Each new day feels like a summit that needs to be scaled.

It’s exhausting.

Physically.

Mentally.

Emotionally.

“Hey, Delilah. Wait up,” a voice calls out.

With a wince, I hasten my step. I’m tired of all the comments and questions. The smirks and jabs. The crude offers.

Should have known… Whore mother, whore daughter.

As much as I hate to admit it, I’m on the cusp of shattering into a million jagged pieces. Unlike Humpty Dumpty, I will never be put back together again. It’s a disturbing thought that continues to ricochet in my brain. Holding everything together is taking a herculean effort on my part. It’ll be a miracle if I make it to three o’clock intact.

I cut quickly across the parking lot, only wanting to slip inside the stone building. The new plan is to hide out in the photography studio until the first hour bell rings. Mrs. Chambers has taken pity on me and doesn’t ask any questions. Although, I’m sure she’s heard all the rumors that are circulating.

It would be impossible not to.

I can all but feel eyes crawling over me as ugly snickers dog my every step.

When slim fingers lock around my bicep, halting my progress, I swing around, ready to bare my teeth. Everly’s eyes widen as she drops her hand and takes a quick step in retreat, giving me some much-needed space.

“Sorry,” she mumbles. “I didn’t mean to startle you. I just wanted to check in and see how you’re doing.” Her voice dips as she quickly glances around. “It’s been pretty brutal around here.”

A choked laugh rises in my throat as hot tears prick my eyes. I’ve always known that most of the kids who attended Hawthorne Prep were assholes, but I couldn’t have predicted just how cruel they could be.

“That’s an understatement.”

Her eyes flood with sympathy. “I know. I hate that all this is happening. It’s so unfair and just plain mean.”

Even though Everly and I aren’t close, I appreciate that she’s gone out of her way to be supportive. And trust me, our classmates have taken notice. The last thing I want to do is pull her down with me.

When I remain silent, she nods toward the school. “Should we head inside? There’s about ten minutes before the first bell.”

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